Interesting Aila

If you've met Aila, you'll know that she is obsessed about one thing.

CARS.

It started with the Disney Pixar Movie of the same name....and her love of collecting the different car characters. She will often act out the whole movie line by line, with her ever growing collection of cars from the movie. She doesn't see them as machines, she sees them as people. She plays with them like other girls would play with dolls. Except you can't comb their hair. Or dress them up. And...well...they're CARS!

I wouldn't say Aila is a tomboy. In fact, she's pretty much a girlie girl. She likes pink things, likes pretty things, cries when poked....you know...the usual. But unlike most other girls....she'd adores cars. On more than one occasion I've taken her to ToysRUs, and picked out the most sparkly Barbie Doll and showed it to her "Aila...look! It's a princess doll! Look at her gown! Look at her long hair....isn't she pretty?? Aila....would you like a doll like this??" (At this point, price doesn't matter...lets just get a doll in the house!)
"No Fanks. Wheres da cars at, Mommy?"

Hmm. Okay. "Operation buy-a-doll" flopped. And not just once. EVERY time we go to Wal-Mart I try. And everytime she ignores my offer. And everytime I hear another Mom giggle in the aisle at my attempt. "They like what they like..." said one such Mom. Yeah. I suppose they do!

Now, I'll often take the kids to Dollarama and let them choose 2 items. Anneka usually buys stickers or books (most recently math and spelling workbooks) and Aila chooses a toy. A couple weeks ago she came running to me most excitedly.

Aila: Mommieeee!! Dis is what I wantttt!
Me: Oh...you found something?! Great! What is it?!
Aila: It's a TWUCK!
Me: A truck?
Aila: OH yes...I love it sooo much!!

Let me explain further. This wasn't just a truck...it was a combine. You know....the large farm equipment they use to harvest wheat and crap. (my farming knowledge is minimal...excuse me) She LOVES her combine. In fact...the story went on when we got home:

Aila: Mommy....I want to sweep wif my tru----I mean...Com-binneee (yes...I educated her) CAN I?
Me: Well...he's not very cuddly...
Aila: But *sniff sniff* I WUV him!! PLEEASE?
Yvonne: Oookie then....I guess so...
Aila: Oh yay!!! And guess what, Mommy!??!
Me:*sigh* Yesss??
Aila: I'm naming him SMILEY!

So Aila slept with "Smiley the Combine" that night, and many nights thereafter. Even when she rolled over him and we heard her cry "Mommmiiieee Ouuccchhhhh......I roollled over onto Smileyyyyy and hurt mysewf!" *tears tears*

You'll be pleased to hear that Smiley has now been joined by a big yellow Dump Truck, and most recently a Cement Mixer. (Both also named Smiley)